CBSE Class 12 Chemistry Chapter 9: Coordination Compounds NCERT Solutions
This chapter delves into the fascinating world of Coordination Compounds, a crucial topic in Class 12 Chemistry. The NCERT Solutions provided here offer a detailed explanation of various concepts, including the stability of complexes based on formation constants (log K values), the relationship between crystal field splitting and the color of coordination compounds, and the determination of complex formulas based on precipitation reactions. It also covers the principles of IUPAC nomenclature for coordination compounds. These solutions are designed to help students understand the underlying principles, solve problems systematically, and prepare effectively for their board examinations by clarifying complex concepts with step-by-step reasoning.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 12 |
| Subject | Chemistry Exemplar |
| Session | 2026 |
| Language | English |
| Type | NCERT Solutions |
| Chapter | Chapter 9 |
Chapter summary
Chapter 9, Coordination Compounds, focuses on the structure, bonding, and properties of coordination compounds. The NCERT Solutions cover multiple-choice questions that test understanding of complex stability using log K values, the factors influencing the color of coordination compounds through crystal field theory, and the determination of complex formulas and electrolyte behavior based on precipitation reactions. It also includes questions on applying IUPAC nomenclature rules to complex ions and compounds.
Learning outcomes
- Understand the factors affecting the stability of coordination complexes.
- Relate crystal field splitting energy to the absorption of light and color of complexes.
- Determine the formula of a coordination compound based on experimental data (precipitation reactions).
- Apply IUPAC nomenclature rules to name coordination compounds.
- Identify the type of electrolyte a coordination compound forms in solution.
Topics covered
Paper topics
- Coordination Compounds
- Stability of Complexes
- Formation Constant (K)
- Crystal Field Theory
- Crystal Field Splitting Energy (ΔE)
- Color of Coordination Compounds
- Spectrochemical Series
- Ligand Strength
- IUPAC Nomenclature of Coordination Compounds
- Oxidation State of Metal Ion
- Electrolyte Behavior of Complexes
- Precipitation Reactions
Important topics
- Stability of Complexes (log K)
- Color and Crystal Field Splitting
- IUPAC Nomenclature
- Determining Complex Formula from Precipitation
PDF preview
Read page by page below. PDF is streamed from the official NCERT website — no download button on this page.
Questions and Solutions
Question 1
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
Comparing the given log K values:
- (a)
- (b)
- (c)
- (d)
Answer: (b)
Question 2
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
The strength of ligands determines the magnitude of crystal field splitting (). According to the spectrochemical series, the order of ligand strength is . Therefore, the order of crystal field splitting energy for the given complexes is:
Since wavelength absorbed is inversely proportional to the splitting energy, the order of absorbed wavelength will be the reverse:
Thus, absorbs the longest wavelength, and absorbs the shortest wavelength.
Answer: (c)
Question 3
- 1:3 electrolyte
- 1:2 electrolyte
- 1:1 electrolyte
- 3:1 electrolyte
In this case, 0.1 mol of the complex yields 0.2 mol of precipitate upon treatment with excess . This means that there are 2 moles of free chloride ions for every 1 mole of the complex.
The chloride ions that precipitate are those located outside the coordination sphere. Therefore, the complex must contain 2 free chloride ions and 1 chloride ion coordinated to the cobalt ion. The general formula for such a complex would be .
When this complex dissolves in water, it dissociates to form ions. The dissociation equation is:
This dissociation produces one complex cation () and two chloride anions (). Thus, the complex acts as a 1:2 electrolyte (1 cation : 2 anions).
Answer: (b) 1:2 electrolyte
Question 4
Given that 1 mole of the hydrated chromium(III) chloride complex yields 3 moles of precipitate upon reaction with excess , it indicates that there are 3 free chloride ions per formula unit of the complex.
The general formula for a coordination compound is , where M is the metal, L are ligands coordinated to the metal, and Y are counter-ions. In this case, the metal is Chromium (Cr), the counter-ion is Chloride (), and the ligands are water molecules (). Since all three chloride ions are precipitated, they must be outside the coordination sphere. This means the coordination sphere contains only water molecules as ligands coordinated to the chromium ion.
The coordination number of chromium in such complexes is typically 6. Therefore, all six coordination sites are occupied by water molecules. The formula of the complex is thus .
Answer: (d)
Question 5
- Diamminedichloridoplatinum (II)
- Diamminedichloridoplatinum (IV)
- Diamminedichloridoplatinum (0)
- Dichloridodiammineplatinum (IV)
- Identify ligands and metal: The ligands are ammonia () and chloride (). The central metal atom is Platinum (Pt).
- Alphabetical order of ligands: Ligands are named before the metal. Ammonia is 'ammine' and chloride is 'chloro'. In alphabetical order, 'ammine' comes before 'chloro'. There are two ammonia ligands and two chloride ligands.
- Prefixes for number of ligands: Since there are two of each ligand, we use the prefix 'di-'. So, we have 'diammine' and 'dichlorido'.
- Name the metal: The metal is Platinum. Since the complex is neutral (no overall charge indicated), the metal name is used as is.
- Determine the oxidation state of the metal: Let the oxidation state of Platinum be x. The oxidation state of is 0, and the oxidation state of is -1. The sum of oxidation states equals the overall charge of the complex, which is 0. The oxidation state of Platinum is +2, which is written in Roman numerals in parentheses: (II).
- Assemble the name: Combine the parts in the correct order: Diammine (ligands) + dichlorido (ligands) + Platinum (metal) + (II) (oxidation state).
Answer: (a) Diamminedichloridoplatinum (II)
Common mistakes
- Confusing the relationship between ligand strength, crystal field splitting energy (ΔE), and wavelength absorbed (λ).
- Incorrectly applying IUPAC nomenclature rules, especially regarding the order of ligands and the metal name.
- Misinterpreting the number of free ions based on the moles of precipitate formed.
- Assuming all chloride ions in a hydrated salt are outside the coordination sphere.
Revision tips
- Memorize the spectrochemical series to predict ligand strength and its effect on ΔE.
- Practice drawing structures and assigning oxidation states to correctly apply IUPAC naming rules.
- Focus on the relationship between the number of ions precipitated and the structure of the coordination compound.
- Review the formula ΔE = hc/λ and its inverse relationship with wavelength for color prediction.
Practice MCQs
Q1. Which of the following complexes formed by Cu²⁺ ions is the most stable, indicated by the highest log K value?
Explanation: The stability of a complex is directly related to its formation constant (K). A higher log K value indicates a larger K and thus a more stable complex. Comparing the given log K values, [Cu(CN)₄]²⁻ has the highest log K (27.3), making it the most stable complex.
Q2. For the complexes [Co(NH₃)₆]³⁺, [Co(CN)₆]³⁻, and [Co(H₂O)₆]³⁺, what is the correct order of increasing wavelength of light absorbed?
Explanation: The wavelength of absorbed light is inversely proportional to the crystal field splitting energy (ΔE), as ΔE = hc/λ. Stronger field ligands cause larger ΔE, leading to absorption of shorter wavelengths. The spectrochemical series ranks CN⁻ > NH₃ > H₂O as ligands. Thus, [Co(CN)₆]³⁻ has the largest ΔE and absorbs the shortest wavelength, while [Co(H₂O)₆]³⁺ has the smallest ΔE and absorbs the longest wavelength.
Q3. If 0.1 mol of CoCl₃(NH₃)₅ is treated with excess AgNO₃ and 0.2 mol of AgCl precipitate is obtained, what type of electrolyte is the complex?
Explanation: One mole of AgNO₃ precipitates one mole of free chloride ions. Since 0.2 mol of AgCl is obtained from 0.1 mol of the complex, there are two moles of free chloride ions per mole of complex. This indicates the complex is a 1:2 electrolyte, with the formula [Co(NH₃)₅Cl]Cl₂.
Q4. When 1 mole of CrCl₃·6H₂O is treated with excess AgNO₃, 3 moles of AgCl are obtained. What is the formula of the complex?
Explanation: The precipitation of 3 moles of AgCl indicates that all three chloride ions are outside the coordination sphere. This means the metal ion (Cr³⁺) is coordinated only by water molecules. Therefore, the formula of the complex is [Cr(H₂O)₆]Cl₃.
Q5. What is the correct IUPAC name for the complex [Pt(NH₃)₂Cl₂]?
Explanation: In [Pt(NH₃)₂Cl₂], the ligands are two ammonia (ammine) and two chloride (chloro). They are listed alphabetically: ammine before chloro. The metal is platinum. Since the overall complex is neutral, and Cl has an oxidation state of -1, Pt must have an oxidation state of +2 (2 * 0 + 2 * (-1) + x = 0 => x = +2). Thus, the name is Diamminedichloridoplatinum(II).
Frequently asked questions
How does the log K value relate to the stability of a coordination complex?
A higher log K value signifies a larger equilibrium constant (K) for the formation of the complex. A larger K means the complex is more extensively formed at equilibrium, indicating greater stability.
What determines the color of coordination compounds according to Crystal Field Theory?
The color arises from the d-d electronic transitions within the metal ion. These transitions occur when electrons absorb energy from visible light, promoting them to higher energy d-orbitals. The energy absorbed corresponds to the crystal field splitting energy (ΔE), and the complementary color is observed.
How can we predict the number of ions a complex will form in solution?
The number of ions formed depends on how many ligands are outside the coordination sphere. Ligands inside the coordination sphere do not dissociate into ions. By treating the complex with a precipitating agent like AgNO₃ and observing the amount of precipitate, one can deduce the number of ions (e.g., Cl⁻) outside the coordination sphere.
What are the key rules for IUPAC naming of coordination compounds?
Name the cation first, then the anion. Within the complex ion, list ligands alphabetically (prefix indicating number, e.g., di-, tri-), followed by the metal name. If the complex ion is anionic, add '-ate' to the metal name. Enclose the oxidation state of the metal in parentheses as a Roman numeral.
Why is [Co(CN)₆]³⁻ expected to absorb shorter wavelengths than [Co(H₂O)₆]³⁺?
Cyanide (CN⁻) is a strong field ligand, while water (H₂O) is a weak field ligand. Strong field ligands cause a larger crystal field splitting energy (ΔE). Since ΔE is inversely proportional to the wavelength absorbed (ΔE = hc/λ), a larger ΔE means a shorter wavelength is absorbed.
Content reviewed by the NCERT Help team. Editorial Team and update policy
NCERT Solutions PDF PDF on NCERT Help. URL unchanged for search indexing.